10 Common Worm Symptoms In Dogs

The word worms bring in those rope like colly creatures making us feel irk. These parasitic critters mostly target animals to survive, grow and carry on their generations. In lack of care and proper treatment, they play havoc on pet’s life. Dogs suffer from many worms and the most common of the category are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Added to this is heartworm, which is predominantly quite dangerous. From the early stage only, dogs get infected with worms as they fetch them from their mother.

How To Identify Different Dog Worms

With worm infection symptoms normally most similar to other diseases, they are confused mostly with others. Taking a closer and more detailed look into these signs will help you learn and understand to recognize worm infection in your dog.

Signs And Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Dogs

1. Vomiting in Dogs

Worms disrupt the digestive system and thence, dogs with worms usually throw out. When infected with roundworms, these are normally seen in the vomit.

2. Dog Coughing

Dogs suffering from heartworms normally suffer from coughing. Not confined to this, dogs having roundworms and hookworms may also have coughing.

3. Low energy – Lethargic Dog

Dogs being less active or lethargic than normal may be showing the symptoms of worms.

4. Change In Dog’s Appetite

A sudden change in appetite may also reflect that your pooch may be suffering from roundworms. Dogs infected with worms often show low interest in food. Sometimes, on the contrary, dog may show sudden increase in his appetite as worms eat away most of their nutrients.

5. Diarrhea in Dogs

Dogs having hit by worm infection may suffer from soft watery stools and canine diarrhea. At worst, if your pet gets infected with hookworms, blood may appear in stool.

6. Pot Bellied Appearance

If your dog’s stomach appears to be big like a pot or seems bloated, definitely he may be infected with worms. This mostly happens in puppies as the worms are transferred from their mommies.

7. Weight Loss in Dogs

As appetite is lost, dogs contracted with worms lose weight. A sudden decrease in weight may indicate the presence of a tapeworm or a whipworm.

8. Dog’s Dull Coat

A healthy dog normally has shiny and thick coat. If your dog’s coat gradually appears to be dull and dry, it claims the presence of worms. Moreover, losing massive amount of hair or with bald spots along with rashes means the presence of worm infection.

9. Rubbing Bum On The Ground

Though, this is normally due to the issue in anal glands, dogs with worms can also show this symptom. Being infected with roundworms or tapeworms, they normally rub their rear end on the floor in order to relieve the itchiness due to worms in the area.

10. Visible Worms In Feces Or Fur

Canines infected with intestinal worms can sometime show visible signs. Worms such as tapeworms may appear moving on the fur or are found around the dog’s anal part. Broken segments of roundworms are normally seen in dog’s stool.

How To Deal With Dog Worms

If you suspect worms, never leave your dog untreated. Outwardly, there may be no dangerous signs or symptoms but inwardly these worms badly affect the internal organs and sometimes lead to loss of consciousness or death. Your dog showing any of these signs should immediately be taken to vet’s office. Proper treatment of intestinal worm is through the administration of worm control tablets and some of the best dewormers are popantel and cazitel for dogs, which can be sourced from any online pet store. Putting your dog on worm treatment management every 3 to 6 months is normally recommended by vets in order to protect your pet from worm infections.